Tommy Smith credits Brendan Rodgers for his hot form

Tommy Smith is enjoying his best ever goal run - and the Watford striker claims boss Brendan Rodgers deserves the credit for triggering his current scoring spree.

Smith, 29, has clocked up 15 goals so far this season and with crisis-club Southampton the visitors at Vicarage Road tonight, the forward could take another step towards hitting the 20-goal target for the first time in his career.

Smith (right) said: "It's been my best ever season in terms of scoring goals and I've really enjoyed it.

"Sometimes the gaffer has had me playing a bit more centrally and that has helped with the goals. It's been a good season for me here and a pleasure to play with everyone. We've got some great lads and the lads who have come in on loan have been good signings too.

"Since Brendan has come in we have stayed really positive and never really looked down. We have two home games now that we are looking to win and we want to finish in the top half."